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Special feature: fashion shoot

A few weekends ago I had the pleasure of shooting with Jes Abiola (@theeyeofja) as part of a joint collaboration. The location was slap bang in the city centre of London. On Saturday, the usually busy location was eerily quiet - no suits to be seen, just a few tourists!

We decided on a look that was bold and a touch androgynous - a statement of self-expression and authenticity. A trouser suit, deep maroon blazer and an oversized checked coat. We went to around 5 or so different backdrops and tried out a number of varied poses. I quickly found out that smiles - on this shoot - were not allowed, and would go against the strong, intense look he had in mind (being naturally smiley this was hard!).

After the shoot, I was curious to learn more about Jes's photography, so decided to ask him a few questions. Read on for more - and enjoy the pics!

Okay, first up. How would you describe your photography?

I would describe my style of photography as simple and natural. I see my photography, to an extent, as taking a stand against the over-processed visuals we’ve become used to, especially in the social media age. Because of that I make very minimal (if any) tweaks to my subjects, and play with light and colour to bring out what is already there. 

Essentially, I want to capture their essence in an image. To quote one of my friends, “you’re capturing souls.”

Wow - kinda deep. Let's go into a bit more detail. What was the concept for this particular shoot?

The square mile is full of strong/powerful and striking architecture and visuals; this shoot was all about mirroring that strength through my wonderful subject - you! 

I also took some inspiration from fellow London photographer Koray Hussein - a real favourite of mine - which often has female subjects in powerful positions. The blend of an archetypal London backdrop with a subject in powerful positions proved to be a successful one. 

The location really was great! That brings me to my next question - what’s more important to creating a good shoot, the clothes or the location?

That’s a good question. I don’t know if there is a right answer here, as the two play off each other. The same outfit in different locations can evoke a different emotion, but the same could be said about the same location with different outfits. Impossible to choose a single answer here!

And finally, I'm turning the tables - sum up your style in a word.

Mercurial.

All pictures subject to copyright, for more, visit www.TheEyeofJA.com 

Playing detective - a coat to investigate

You know that feeling when you buy a new coat and it becomes a second skin? Worn pretty much everywhere, with everything? Yep, me too. I'm not quite sure why, but the feeling of having a new coat is kinda special. Probably because coats are, typically, an investment piece. Because of that, they are also something that you will wear most days.

Image: eyeofja

Last season it was all about the pink coat, this season the long, 'detective' style coat.

This style of coat was all over the 18 Winter/Autumn catwalk and for good reason. A touch masculine and boxy - and with a host of patterns available - they are quite the statement. Speaking back to the pretty and feminine pink coats of last year, this style is far more androgynous and, in my opinion, practical.

Firstly, the long length serves two purposes. 1) It protects your lower half from the cold (lament the number of coats that stop at the thighs, leaving your kegs cold! This one goes right down to mid-calf). 2) It allows a sweeping of fabric every time you walk - especially when when striding fast in windy weather. #thepavementisyourrunway

I also much prefer the colour palette of these coats. Typically coming in neutral shades of grey, brown or black, they are super versatile for your wardrobe. I like to pair mine with a bright scarf or a polo neck jumper.

Another winner is to pair the coat with long knee length boots, tights and a skirt, for winter chic that doesn't resort back to your favourite jeans.

All in all, I'm sold by this style of coat. Or maybe because it's now a second skin, I can't not be sold. Go grab yours and play detective.

First date fashion

Oh, first dates. The flutter in the stomach, the constant checking of the persons social media, the fear of forgetting their name, the list continues. But what's worse than the absolute apprehension of what to wear? Take it from me, there are some key do's and don'ts when it comes to 'first date fashion'.

Ladies, if you are single then this serves you. If you're in a relationship this will also serve you  - albeit as some light entertainment.

Introducing first date fashion - a snapshot.

DO: 

- Wear something that shows skin - but not too much skin. The subtle art of 'leaving things to the imagination' has never been more poignant. So yes, get those legs out. Or yes, get your decollatage out. But for heavens sake, don't do both.

- Wear what makes you feel as awesome as you look. We've all been there - wearing an amazing dress that looks good on the outside, but is too tight/itchy/short etc. Let's face it, if the nerves on a first date are enough, the least you can do is wear something comfortable.

- Show your personality. I'm a strong believer that the clothes you wear say something about who you are. So choose something that fits with 'you' and don't try to be any different.

- Plan in advance. Okay, I'm not saying you need to go over-board, but having a few options in mind earlier on will ease of the pressure of getting ready later. It's either that or ending up in a mad rush, doing your make-up in the cab, Bridget Jones style.

DON'T:

- Be afraid of colour. Yes, I hear you. Black is the most flattering colour and often what makes us feel most 'safe'. But a pop of colour will create an impression - be it a coloured clutch or a bright skirt.

- Wear super high heels. There are two reasons for this - which is more important I'll leave that to you. a) the pain they will cause b) the fact that, if you're a tall girl like me, you risk towering over your date. #neveragain

- Ignore the weather forecast. As the temperature drops, what's worse than forgetting to wrap up properly? Unless, of course, your plan is for him to give you his jacket...

So there we go. First date fashion in a nutshell.

Happy Dating! x

My favourites: the pencil skirt

We all know there are many skirts out there - the midi, the peplum, the mini, the skater, the list goes on....But few have stood the test of time as the pencil skirt. Pair with heels, or, for an alternative look, with your favourite converse. Ideal for any age, and breaking the barriers of 'not just for the office', here are my favourite five right now.

1. The Pattered one 

Giant floral-print silk pencil skirt, now £130, Raey at MatchesFashion

2. The Leather one 

Faux Snakeskin pencil skirt, £99, Karen Millen

3. The Checked one 

Checked pencil skirt, £35, M&S collection

4.The Quirky one

Striped stretch-knit pencil skirt, now £159, Diane Von Furstenberg 

5. The Glam one

Rose Gold sequined pencil skirt, £28, Dorothy Perkins 

Brunching - a stylists view

Oh brunch. Are you even a millennial if you don't brunch? Bottomless brunches, pancake brunches, 'healthy' brunches, four-hour brunches....the list is endless. As will be your appetite. You could even go so far to say that brunch has displaced the afternoon tea - starting earlier and with the potential to last longer.

But what do you wear to such an affair? Here are four key pointers.

Image: Pinterest

Repeat after me, the looser the better 

Yes. If there's ever an occasion to feast this is it (bar Christmas, where eating becomes a full-time hobby). That means goodbye to your tight pants and your skin-tight leotards. Save them for the club, or when the only thing passing your lips is liquid. From first hand experience, anything with no breathing room will be instantly regrettable. Instead, opt for full-skirts and loose dresses. Perfect for hiding that inevitable food baby.

Pick your top carefully 

If millennials brunch, they also gram. When you're sat down, that means only half of you will make the cut, as you order your friend to take that perfect Insta photo #girlswhobrunch #basic. Opt for a pretty top and some light-touch jewellery. Or, if you really want to let your food do the talking, keep things understated with a plain white or black top. Matching your outfit to your food? Now that's a step too far. Though in ten years time?

Don't wear your best 

Now, we know you want to look good for your gram, for your company and for your food. But wearing that expensive dress is never a good idea when golden syrup/prosecco/[insert other brunch staple] risks spilling over you. It's just not worth the stress when your main focus should be the food - not avoiding the food's contact with your clothes. So leave that designer jumper alone and go care-free.

But do wear a layer 

What's more cute than girl + pancakes + cardigan draped around shoulders? A puppy, maybe. Layers will also ensure you stay warm whatever the venue temperature throws at you. The worse is feeling chilly in places where the air-con is full blast (we've all been there).

So that's that. Not much else really except a) be sure to scour that menu 100 times b) order at least 4 glasses of prosescco and/or tomato juice and c) only leave when your belly is fully satisfied. Hear hear.

You can leave your hat on

Hats have many practical purposes - from keeping you warm (thanks, beanie) to keeping you cool (thanks, wide-brim). They act as the perfect solution for covering up yet another bad hair day, as well as protecting you from the rain.

Image: Pinterest

And they also have the power to act as a major fashion statement. You only have to look at something like The Royal Ascot, a British event where women are encouraged to 'wear smart attire with a hat or fascinator'. Yes, you heard that right, a fascinator - a light, decorative headpiece that's a combination of hat and those fancy headbands you wore in year 9 dance class. 

Other fashion statements? Well, everyone links the iconic Audrey Hepburn with the black, chic, oversized hat she wore in Breakfast at Tiffany's. And the catwalk - from high end designers like Chanel, to the more affordable Topshop, will also use hats as a standout piece on the runway. 

So what does this mean for us? Well, whereas once hats were something more 'practical', the last five years or so have seen a real shift in incorporating hats into fashion and general aesthetic 'fun' - regardless of any practicality they may serve. Indeed, fashion is cyclical and this is a perfect example of that. Go back to the Edwardian or Victorian era and huge hats were all the rage - a sign of status and, crucially, a major fashion statement.  

Image: Pinterest

If there's one thing I'm excited about this Autumn, it's pulling out a mustard yellow beanie hat to brighten up my day (and outfit). It'll be snug and warm, yes. But it'll also look bloody awesome. On my recent holiday to Greece, I took not one, not two, but three hats with me. Okay, this is in part because I never pack light, but also because it gave me so much option when it came to outfits. There was the khaki cap (typically worn with denim shorts for a boyish look), the floppy sandy hat (perfect for the beach) and the black wide brim hat (a more formal, crisp option).

So there we go. Get happy - or should that be hatty. Be as mad as a hatter. Forget sex appeal, it's all about hat appeal. Okay, will stop now - but just remember, you can leave your hat on...